Fiber optic connector with partial threaded portion and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic connection system includes a fiber optic connector and an adapter assembly. The fiber optic connector is coupled to the adapter assembly with a fast coupling mechanism. The fast coupling mechanism allows the fiber optic connector to be mounted into the adapter assembly with rotation of the fiber optic connector relative to the adapter assembly less than a full turn.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a National Stage of PCT/EP2015/064056, filed 23 Jun.2015, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.62/016,075 filed on Jun. 23, 2014, and to U.S. Patent Application Ser.No. 62/037,394 filed on Aug. 14, 2014, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extentappropriate a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber communicationsystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fiberoptic connector and a mating adapter with a fast coupling mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber opticcommunication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibersto be quickly optically connected together without requiring a splice,and also allow such optical fibers to be easily disconnected from oneanother. Fiber optic connectors can be used to optically interconnecttwo lengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used tointerconnect lengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and a fiber optic adapterfor mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectorstogether. Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that supportthe ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end facesof the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The fiberoptic adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) forreceiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. Thefiber optic adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and alignsthe ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors areinserted within the ports of the fiber optic adapter. With the ferrulesand their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the fiber opticadapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. Theadapter also typically has a mechanical fastening arrangement (e.g., asnap-fit arrangement) for mechanically retaining the fiber opticconnectors within the adapter. One example of an existing fiber opticconnection system is described in PCT Publication No. WO 2009/076364,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The fiberoptic cable connection system disclosed in WO 2009/076364 employs alocking mechanism configured to selectively prevent a movement of thehardended or ruggedized fiber optic connector relative to the fiberoptic adapter. The locking mechanism utilizes a thread engagementbetween the fiber optic connector and the adapter so that the fiberoptic connecter is screwed into the adapter. The locking mechanism canensure a strong engagement between the connector and the adapter, butrequires multiple turns of the connector relative to the adapter for theengagement.

Another example of an existing fiber optic connection system isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,520, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference. The fiber optic cable connection systemdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,520 employs a bayonet connectionmechanism between the fiber optic connector and the adapter. Such abayonet connection can allow a quick coupling of the connector to theadapter, but is not as robust an engagement as can typically be achievedwith threaded connections. Further, the fiber optic adapters aretypically secured within an opening in a wall of an enclosure such thatthe wall of the enclosure is secured between a flange defined by theadapter housing and a coupling nut secured to the adapter housingopposite to the flange. The adapters are provided with an axial sealingbetween the adapters and the wall of the enclosure. For example, asealing element, such as an O-ring or elastomeric gasket, is disposedbetween the annular surface of the flange of the adapter housing and theexterior surface of the wall. As the coupling nut is tightened over theadapter housing, the adapter housing is pulled toward the exteriorsurface of the wall, thus compressing the sealing ement and providing anaxial sealing. An example of such fiber optic adapters is described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,207,727, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference. When a plurality of adapters is installed on the enclosurewall, the threaded engagement mechanism with the coupling nut needsenough space between the adapters on the wall to engage a tool or theinstaller's fingers around the adapters to tighten the coupling nut tothe adapter housing.

SUMMARY

Teachings of the present disclosure relates to features that permit afast coupling mechanism for assembling a hardened fiber optic connectorwith an adapter assembly, as well as firmly secure the fiber opticconnector with the adapter to minimize signal losses at opticalcouplings between hardened fiber optic connectors.

One aspect is a fiber optic connector including at least one partialthreaded portion. The at least partial threaded portion is provided on apartial circumference of the fiber optic connector. The fiber opticconnector is configured to be axially inserted into an adapter assemblyin an unlock position with the at least partial threaded portion alignedwith at least one partial unthreaded nut portion of the adapterassembly. The fiber optic connector is configured to move from theunlock position to a lock position by rotating relative to the adapterassembly with an angle less than a full rotation. The at least onepartial threaded portion engages at least one partial threaded nutportion of the adapter assembly in the lock position.

In some examples, the fiber optic connector may further includes akeying feature configured to limit an axial movement of the fiber opticconnector as the fiber optic connector is inserted into the adapterassembly. The keying feature is further configured to align the at leastone partial threaded portion to the at least one partial threaded nutportion of the adapter assembly before the fiber optic connector rotatesfrom the unlock position to the lock position.

Another aspect is an adapter assembly including a bayonet connectionmechanism and a floating ferrule alignment mechanism. The bayonetconnection mechanism is configured to engage a fiber optic connectorbetween lock and unlock positions. The floating ferrule alignmentmechanism is supported within the adapter assembly.

Yet another aspect is an adapter assembly configured to mount to a portof an enclosure. The adapter assembly includes a housing, atwist-to-lock fastening mechanism, and a radial sealing member. Thehousing has outer and inner ports. The twist-to-lock fastening mechanismis arranged on the outer port of the housing and configured to axiallyreceive a fiber optic connector in an unlock position and permit thefiber optic connector to rotate relative to the housing from the unlockposition to a lock position with an angle less than a full rotation. Theradial sealing member is supported by the housing and configured toradially engage the port of the enclosure to provide sealing against theenclosure.

Yet another aspect is an adapter assembly including an internal cavityand at least one partial threaded nut portion. The internal cavity isconfigured to receive a fiber optic connector and rotatably support thefiber optic connector between lock and unlock positions. The at leastone partial threaded nut portion is provided on an inner circumferenceof the internal cavity. In an unlock position, the adapter assembly isconfigured to axially receive the fiber optic connector with the atleast one partial threaded nut portion aligned with at least one partialunthreaded portion of the fiber optic connector. The adapter assembly isconfigured to permit the fiber optic connector to rotate from the unlockposition to the lock position with an angle less than a full rotation.In the lock position, the at least one partial threaded nut portionengages at least one partial threaded portion of the fiber opticconnector.

In some examples, the adapter assembly may further include a keyingfeature configured to limit an axial movement of the fiber opticconnector as the fiber optic connector is inserted into the adapterassembly. The kaying feature is further configured to align the at leastone partial threaded portion to the at least one partial threaded nutportion of the adapter assembly before the fiber optic connector rotatesfrom the unlock position to the lock position.

Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a fiber optic assemblyincluding a fiber optic connector and an adapter assembly. The fiberoptic connector may include a key and a threaded portion. The key isconfigured to radially protrude from the fiber optic connector. Thethreaded portion may be provided on a partial circumference of the fiberoptic connector. The adapter assembly may include an internal cavity, akey slot, a rotation guide, and a threaded nut portion. The internalcavity is configured to rotatably receive the fiber optic connectorbetween a lock position and an unlock position. The key slot isconfigured to receive the key of the fiber optic connector in the unlockposition. The rotation guide is configured to receive andcircumferentially guide the key of the fiber optic connector as thefiber optic connector rotates relative to the adapter assembly betweenthe lock and unlock positions. The threaded nut portion is configured tomate with the threaded portion of the fiber optic connector in the lockposition, and configured not to mate with the threaded portion of thefiber optic connector in the unlock position. The lock and unlockpositions are switchable as the fiber optic connector rotates relativeto the adapter assembly with an angle less than a full rotation.

In certain examples, the fiber optic connector may further include asecond threaded portion circumferentially provided on the fiber opticconnector and circumferentially spaced apart from the threaded portion.Correspondingly, the adapter assembly may further include a secondthreaded nut portion circumferentially spaced apart from the threadednut portion. The second threaded portion mates with the second threadednut portion in the lock position, and does not mate with the secondthreaded nut portion in the unlock position.

In certain examples, the rotation guide may include a groove configuredto receive the key of the fiber optic connector as the fiber opticconnector rotates from the unlock position. The groove may be providedcircumferentially on an inner surface of the adapter assembly andinclude a stopper configured to limit a rotation of the key of the fiberoptic connector when the fiber optic connector rotates relative to theadapter assembly at a predetermined stop angle.

In certain examples, the rotation guide may include a bayonet clearanceslot configured to receive the key of the fiber optic connector as thefiber optic connector rotates from the unlock position. The bayonetclearance slot may be provided circumferentially around the adapterassembly and include a stopper configured to limit a rotation of the keyof the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector rotatesrelative to the adapter assembly at a predetermined stop angle.

In certain examples, the rotation guide may have a first lateral surfaceand a second lateral surface opposing to the first lateral surface alonga longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly. The fiber optic connectoris interference-fitted to the adapter assembly in the lock position byengagement between the first threaded portion and the first threaded nutportion and between the key and one of the first and second lateralsurfaces of the rotation guide.

Yet other aspects of the disclosure relate to an adapter assemblyincluding an adapter housing and an adapter retention member. Theadapter housing may include a sealing flange portion and a sealingmember. The sealing member may be held by the sealing flange portion andprovide a radial sealing of the adapter housing against an installationport of an installation wall. The adapter retention member may beconfigured to be coupled to the adapter housing to secure the adapterhousing to the installation wall. The adapter housing may be is insertedinto the installation port of the installation wall from a first side ofthe installation wall. The adapter retention member may be coupled tothe adapter housing from a second side opposite to the first side. Thesealing flange portion may engage a wall shoulder when the adapterhousing is inserted into the installation port. The adapter housing andthe adapter retention member may be snap-fitted together when axiallypressed toward each other. The adapter housing may include a set offlexible tabs, and the adapter retention member includes a set of slotscorresponding to the set of flexible tabs. The set of flexible tabs maybe configured to snap-fitted to the set of slots. When the adapterhousing is coupled to the adapter retention member with the installationwall therebetween, an axial end face of the adapter housing may beabutted to the wall shoulder of the installation wall and an axial endface of the adapter retention member may be abutted to the second sideof the installation wall. The adapter assembly may further include afloating ferrule alignment mechanism inserted into, and supported by,the adapter retention member through a spring member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fiber optic connection system inaccordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fiber optic connection systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fiber optic connection system of FIG. 1,illustrating a fiber optic connector is coupled to an adapter assemblyin a lock position.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connectionsystem of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector in accordancewith one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an adapter assembly in accordancewith an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly in accordance withan example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 8,illustrating an example rotation guide.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector with a dust capin accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector of FIG.10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 10,which is coupled to an adapter assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the adapter assembly ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an expanded view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a further expanded view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an example fiber optic connection system 100 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fiberoptic connection system 100 includes a fiber optic connector 102 and anadapter assembly 104.

The fiber optic connector 102 is a hardened fiber optic connector thatterminates a fiber optic cable 90. The fiber optic connector 102 caninclude a connector housing 106, a ferrule assembly 108, a coupling nut110, and a strain relief boot 112.

The connector housing 106 is generally shaped as a cylindrical bodyhaving a forward end 114 and a rearward end 116. The connector housing106 is configured to at least partially receive and support the ferruleassembly 108.

The ferrule assembly 108 is configured to support an end portion of anoptical fiber of the fiber optic cable 90 and has a distal end face atwhich a polished end of the optical fiber is located. The distal endface of the ferrule assembly 108 is arranged at the forward end 114 ofthe connector housing 106 and configured to abut or be in closeproximity to a distal end face of a second fiber optic connector 105within the adapter assembly 104. The ferrule assembly 108 is held by theconnector housing 106 and configured to align the end portion of theoptical fiber of the fiber optic cable 90 to a ferrule holder 194 withinthe adapter assembly 104 so that the end portion of the optical fiber ofthe fiber optic cable 90 abut or is in close proximity to an end portionof an optical fiber of a second fiber optic cable 92 that is insertedinto the adapter assembly 104.

The coupling nut 110 is coupled onto the connector housing 106 andprovides a gripping surface for users. The coupling nut 110 can be atleast partially rotataly mounted onto the connector housing 106. Thecoupling nut 110 can also include a first coupling mechanism 120configured to selectively mate with a second coupling mechanism 150 ofthe adapter assembly 104 to provide keyed positioning of the fiber opticconnector 102 relative to the adapter assembly 104 and to serve to alignthe ferrule assembly 108 with the ferrule holder 194 within the adapterassembly 104. In some embodiments, the coupling nut 110 is integrallyformed with the connector housing 106 or as part of the connectorhousing 106. An example of the first and second coupling mechanisms 120and 150 are described below in further detail.

The strain relief boot 112 is engaged with the connector housing 106 atthe rearward end 116 and surrounds a portion of the fiber optic cable90. The strain relief boot 112 provides strain relief and minimum bendradius control to the fiber optic cable 90 received within the connectorhousing 106.

The fiber optic connection system 100 can further include a second fiberoptic connector 105 terminating a second fiber optic cable 92. Thesecond fiber optic connector 105 is inserted into a second end 144 ofthe adapter assembly 104 so that the optical fiber of the second fiberoptic cable 92 is abutted to, or in close proximity to, the end portionof the optical fiber of the cable 90 within the adapter assembly 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the first coupling mechanism 120 includes a key122 and a coupling thread 124. The key 122 is configured to radiallyprotrude from an outer surface 126 of the coupling nut 110. The couplingthread 124 includes one or more partially threaded portions (e.g., afirst threaded portion 130 and a second threaded portion 132) and,correspondingly, one or more partially unthreaded portions (e.g., afirst unthreaded portion 136 and a second unthreaded portion 138). Thethreaded portions 130 and 132 are provided on a partial circumference ofthe outer surface 126 of the coupling nut 110. For example, the threadedportions 130 and 132 are circumferentially provided on the outer surface126 of the coupling nut 110 and spaced apart from each other. In someembodiments, the threaded portions 130 and 132 are spaced apart at equaldistance. In the depicted embodiment, the first threaded portion 130 isspaced apart from the second threaded portion 132 around thecircumference of the coupling nut 110 and arranged opposite to thesecond threaded portion 130 on the coupling nut 110. Corresponding tothe threaded portions 130 and 132, the unthreaded portions 136 and 138are alternately arranged between adjacent threaded portions 130 and 132.For example, the unthreaded portions 136 and 138 are circumferentiallyprovided on the outer surface 126 of the coupling nut 110 and spacedapart from each other. In the depicted embodiment, the first unthreadedportion 136 is spaced apart from the second unthreaded portion 138around the circumference of the coupling nut 110 and arranged oppositeto the second unthreaded portion 138 on the coupling nut 110.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7, the adapter assembly 104 has a firstend 142 and a second end 144 opposite to the first end 142 along alongitudinal axis A_(L). The first end 142 is configured to receive thefiber optic connector 102 between a lock position and an unlockposition, and the second end 144 is configured to receive the secondfiber optic connector 105. The adapter assembly 104 includes an internalcavity 146 open at the first end 142 and configured to engage the fiberoptic connector 102 from the first end 142. The fiber optic connector102 is rotatably engaged with the adapter assembly 104 (i.e., theinternal cavity 146) between the lock position and the unlock position.As shown below, the lock position and the unlock position are switchableby rotating the fiber optic connector 102 relative to the adapterassembly 104 with a predetermined angle when the fiber optic connector102 is inserted into the internal cavity 146 of the adapter assembly104. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle is less than a fullrotation (i.e., less than 360 degree) of the fiber optic connector 102relative to the adapter assembly 104.

The adapter assembly 104 further includes a second coupling mechanism150. In some embodiments, the second coupling mechanism 150 includes akey slot 152, a rotation guide 154, and a coupling nut thread 156.

The key slot 152 is configured to receive the key 122 of the fiber opticconnector 102 in the unlock position. Along with the key 122 of thefiber optic connector 102, the key slot 152 operates to align the fiberoptic connector 102 in the unlock position as the fiber optic connector102 is inserted into the adapter assembly 104. In some embodiments, thekey slot 152 includes an axial slot surface 160 configured to contactthe key 122 and limit an axial movement of the fiber optic connector 102as the fiber optic connector 102 is inserted into the adapter assembly104 from the first end 142. The axial slot surface 160 also functions toalign the coupling thread 124 (e.g., the first and second threadedportions 130 and 132) of the fiber optic connector 102 with the couplingnut thread 156 (e.g., the first and second threaded nut portions 180 and182) of the adapter assembly 104 before they are engaged each other. Theaxial slot surface 160 permits all of the threads of the coupling thread124 to be properly engaged with all of the coupling nut thread 156before the fiber optic connector 102 rotates relative to the adapterassembly 104 from the unlock position to the lock position.

The rotation guide 154 is configured to receive and circumferentiallyguide the key 122 of the fiber optic connector 102 as the fiber opticconnector 102 rotates relative to the adapter assembly 104 between thelock position and the unlock position. Similar to the axial slot surface160, the rotation guide 154 operates to align the coupling thread 124 ofthe fiber optic connector 102 with the coupling nut thread 156 of theadapter assembly 104 before they are mated each other. Further, therotation guide 154 also permits all of the threads of the couplingthread 124 to be properly engaged with all of the coupling nut thread156 as the fiber optic connector 102 rotates relative to the adapterassembly 104 from the unlock position to the lock position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the rotation guide154 includes a bayonet clearance slot 164 arranged adjacent the key slot152 and configured to receive the key 122 of the fiber optic connector102 as the fiber optic connector 102 rotates from the unlock position(i.e., from the key slot 152). In some embodiments, the bayonetclearance slot 164 and the key slot 152 are divided by a dividing wall166. As the fiber optic connector 102 rotates between the key slot 152and the bayonet clearance slot 164, the key 122 slides on, and passesover, the dividing wall 166. The dividing wall 166 can be made flexibleso as to resiliently deform as the key 122 slides on the dividing wall166.

The bayonet clearance slot 164 is provided partially, circumferentiallyaround the adapter assembly 104. In some embodiments, the bayonetclearance slot 164 has a stopper 168 at an end of the slot 164 oppositeto the key slot 152 (or opposite to the dividing wall 166). The stopper168 is configured to limit a rotational range of the fiber opticconnector 102 relative to the adapter assembly 104. For example, thestopper 168 contacts the key 122 of the fiber optic connector 102 andprevents a further rotation of the fiber optic connector 102 when thefiber optic connector 102 rotates relative to the adapter assembly 104at a predetermined angle R_(K). The predetermined angle R_(K) is definedan angle between the key slot 152 and the stopper 168 about a centerthrough which the longitudinal axis A_(L) passes. As shown below, thefirst and second coupling mechanisms 120 and 150 are configured to causethe fiber optic connector 102 to be in the lock position when the fiberoptic connector 102 is rotated relative to the adapter assembly 104 fromthe key slot 152 at an angle not greater than the predetermined angleR_(K).

In some embodiments, the fiber optic connector 102 is interference-fitto the adapter assembly 104 by frictional forces generated by thethreaded engagement between the coupling thread 124 (e.g., the first andsecond threaded portions 130 and 132) of the fiber optic connector 102and the coupling nut thread 156 (e.g., the first and second threaded nutportions 180 and 182) of the adapter assembly 104. When the fiber opticconnector 102 is inserted into the adapter assembly 104, the forward end114 of the fiber optic connector 102 is abutted with an engaging face159 (FIGS. 4 and 14). As the fiber optic connector 102 rotates relativeto the adapter assembly 104 with an angle less than a full turn, thethreaded engagement between the fiber optic connector 102 and theadapter assembly 104, as well as the engagement of the forward end 114of the fiber optic connector 102 against the engaging face 159 of theadapter assembly 104, creates the interference fit between the fiberoptic connector 102 and the adapter assembly 104.

In other embodiments, the bayonet clearance slot 164 has a first lateralsurface 172 (FIG. 1) and a second lateral surface 174 opposing to thefirst lateral surface 172 along the longitudinal axis A_(L). The firstlateral surface 172 is arranged close to the first end 142, and thesecond lateral surface 174 is arranged away from the first end 142(i.e., close to the second end 144) of the adapter assembly 104. Whenthe key 122 of the fiber optic connector 102 is engaged to the bayonetclearance slot 164, the key 122 can be biased to either of the first andsecond lateral surface 172 and 174 by one or more different mechanisms,thereby providing interference-fit of the fiber optic connector 102 tothe adapter assembly 104.

The coupling nut thread 156 includes one or more partial threaded nutportions (e.g., a first threaded nut portion 180 and a second threadedportion 182) and, correspondingly, one or more partially unthreadedportions (e.g., a first unthreaded nut portion 186 and a secondunthreaded nut portion 188). The threaded nut portions 180 and 182 areprovided on a partial circumference of an inner surface 190 of theadapter assembly 104. For example, the threaded nut portions 180 and 182are circumferentially provided on the inner surface 190 of the adapterassembly 104 and spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, thethreaded nut portions 180 and 182 are spaced apart at equal distance. Inthe depicted embodiment, the first threaded nut portion 180 is spacedapart from the second threaded nut portion 182 around the circumferenceof the inner surface 190 of the adapter assembly 104 and arrangedopposite to the second threaded nut portion 182. Corresponding to thethreaded nut portions 180 and 182, the unthreaded nut portions 186 and188 are alternately arranged between adjacent threaded nut portions 180and 182. For example, the unthreaded nut portions 186 and 188 arecircumferentially provided on the inner surface 190 of the adapterassembly 104 and spaced apart from each other. In the depictedembodiment, the first unthreaded nut portion 186 is spaced apart fromthe second unthreaded nut portion 188 around the circumference of theinner surface 190 of the adapter assembly 104 and arranged opposite tothe second unthreaded nut portion 188.

The unthreaded nut portions 186 and 188 of the adapter assembly 104 areconfigured and arranged to receive the threaded portions 130 and 132 ofthe fiber optic connector 102 when the fiber optic connector 102 isinserted, in a first direction D1, into the adapter assembly 104 withthe key 122 aligned to the key slot 152 (i.e., the unlock position).Correspondingly, the threaded nut portions 180 and 182 of the adapterassembly 104 are configured and arranged to be nested onto theunthreaded portions 136 and 138 of the fiber optic connector 102 in thelock position. Further, the threaded nut portions 180 and 182 of theadapter assembly 104 engage the threaded portions 130 and 132 of thecoupling nut 110 when the fiber optic connector 102 is rotated in asecond direction D2 after being inserted into the adapter assembly 104.

Referring to FIG. 4, the adapter assembly 104 can include a ferruleholder 194 configured to align the ferrule assembly 108 thereto, therebyarranging the end portion of the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable90 to abut or be in close proximity to an end portion of an opticalfiber of a second fiber optic cable 92 that is inserted into the adapterassembly 104.

In some embodiments, the adapter assembly 104 further includes ananti-rotation mechanism 158 (FIG. 14) configured to correspond to a flattip portion 117 and a rounded tip portion 118 of the connector housing106 at or adjacent the forward end 114. Thus, when the flat and roundedtip portions 117 and 118 of the connector housing 106

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fiber optic connector 102 iscoupled to the adapter assembly 104 as follows. First, the fiber opticconnector 102 is moved in the direction D1 and inserted into theinternal cavity 146 of the adapter assembly 104 with the key 122 of thefiber optic connector 102 aligned to the key slot 152. This is referredto as the unlock position. In the unlock position, the threaded portions130 and 132 of the fiber optic connector 102 mate with the unthreadednut portions 186 and 188 of the adapter assembly 104, respectively, andthe unthreaded portions 136 and 138 of the fiber optic connector 102mate with the threaded nut portions 180 and 182, respectively.

Then, the fiber optic connector 102 is rotated in the direction D2relative to the adapter assembly 104 so that the key 122 of the fiberoptic connector 102 slides from the key slot 152 into the rotation guide154 of the adapter assembly 104. The key 122 of the fiber opticconnector 102 is guided along the rotation guide 154 as the fiber opticconnector 102 is rotated relative to the adapter assembly 104. The fiberoptic connector 102 is rotated until it is tightened with the adapterassembly 104. This position is referred to as the lock position. In thelock position, the threaded portions 130 and 132 of the fiber opticconnector 102 mate with the threaded nut portions 180 and 182 of theadapter assembly 104, and the unthreaded portions 136 and 138 mate withthe unthreaded nut portions 186 and 188.

As such, the partial threaded portions 130 and 132 (and thecorresponding unthreaded portions 136 and 138) of the fiber opticconnector 102, and the partial threaded nut portions 180 and 182 (andthe corresponding unthreaded nut portions 186 and 188), allows switchingbetween the lock and unlock positions only with a partial turn orrotation of the fiber optic connector 102 relative to the adapterassembly 104. Thus, a user need not rotate the fiber optic connector 102in a full turn relative to the adapter assembly 104 to assemble themtogether. In the depicted embodiment where the opposing threadedportions 130 and 132 (and the opposing unthreaded portions 136 and 138),and the opposing threaded nut portions 180 and 182 (and the opposingunthreaded nut portions 186 and 188) are provided, the fiber opticconnector 102 only needs to be rotated about 90 degree relative to theadapter assembly 104. Other configurations are possible to change therotational angle to switch the fiber optic connector 102 between thelock and unlock positions.

In the lock position, the fiber optic connector 102 is interference-fitto the adapter assembly 104 by frictional forces generated by thethreaded engagement between the coupling thread 124 (e.g., the first andsecond threaded portions 130 and 132) of the fiber optic connector 102and the coupling nut thread 156 (e.g., the first and second threaded nutportions 180 and 182) of the adapter assembly 104. Further, theengagement of the forward end 114 of the fiber optic connector 102against the engaging face 159 of the adapter assembly 104 can contributeto the interference fit, along with the threaded engagement between thefiber optic connector 102 and the adapter assembly 104.

In addition, or alternatively, when in the lock position, the key 122 ofthe fiber optic connector 102 can be biased to one of the first andsecond lateral surfaces 172 and 174 of the rotation guide 154, and thethreaded portions 130 and 132 are engaged with the threaded nut portions180 and 182. This configuration can help the interference fit of thefiber optic connector to the adapter assembly 104 so that the fiberoptic connector is firmly secured into the adapter assembly 104.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an adapter assembly 304 in accordance withanother example of the present disclosure. As many of the concepts andfeatures are similar to the adapter assembly 104, the description forthe adapter assembly 104 is hereby incorporated by reference for theadapter assembly 304. Where like or similar features or elements areshown, the same or similar reference numbers will be used wherepossible. The following description for the adapter assembly 304 will belimited primarily to the differences from the adapter assembly 104.

In some embodiments, the rotation guide 354 includes a groove 364configured to receive the key 122 of the fiber optic connector 102 asthe fiber optic connector 102 rotates from the unlock position. Similarto the bayonet clearance slot 164, the groove 364 is providedcircumferentially on the inner surface of the adapter assembly 304 andincludes a stopper 368 configured to limit a rotation of the key 122 ofthe fiber optic connector 102 when the fiber optic connector 102 rotatesrelative to the adapter assembly 304 at a predetermined stop angle.Similar to the stopper 168, the first and second coupling mechanisms areconfigured to permit the fiber optic connector 102 to be in the lockposition when the fiber optic connector 102 rotates relative to theadapter assembly 304 at an angle not greater than the predetermined stopangle.

As described above, the fiber optic connector 102 and the adapterassembly 104 and 304 provides faster and easier connections, as well asstrong connections, between multiple fiber optic cables. The fiber opticconnector 102 and the adapter assembly 104 and 304 are backwardscompatible with existing fiber optic connection products. For example,the fiber optic connector 102 can be used with existing fiber opticadapters that have full nut threads formed therein in such a knownmanner that the fiber optic connector 102 is rotated relative to theexisting adapters in one or more full turns. Similarly, the adapterassembly 104 and 304 can be used with existing fiber optic connectorsthat have full outer threads in such a known manner that the existingfiber optic connector is rotated relative to the adapter assembly 104and 304 in one or more full turns.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a fiber optic connector 402 in accordance withanother example of the present disclosure. As many of the concepts andfeatures are similar to the fiber optic connector 102, the descriptionfor the fiber optic connector 102 is hereby incorporated by referencefor the fiber optic connector 402. Where like or similar features orelements are shown, the same or similar reference numbers will be usedwhere possible. The following description for the fiber optic connector402 will be limited primarily to the differences from the fiber opticconnector 102.

Similarly to the fiber optic connector 102, the fiber optic connector402 includes a connector housing 406 and a coupling nut 410. Theconnector housing 406 corresponds to the connector housing 106, butfurther includes at least one protrusion 418 extending from theconnector housing 406. The protrusion 418, together with a cut-outportion 414 (see below), operate to align the coupling nut 410 with theconnector housing 406 in a predetermined position, as described below.The protrusion 418 is configured to engage the inner surface of thecoupling nut 410 as the coupling nut 410 rotates around the connectorhousing 406. For example, the coupling nut 410 can slide over theprotrusion 418 and becomes in frictional contact with the protrusion 418as the coupling nut 410 rotates around the connector housing 406. Insome embodiments, the connector housing 406 includes one protrusion 418.In other embodiments, the connector housing 406 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 418. In the depicted embodiment, two protrusions 418 areprovided and equally spaced apart (i.e., 180 degree apart) on theconnector housing 406.

The coupling nut 410 corresponds to the coupling nut 110, but furtherincludes a tab portion 412 and a cut-out portion 414. The tab portion412 extends from the outer surface of the coupling nut 410 and isconfigured to provide a grip for a user or installer so that the user orinstaller can easily hold the coupling nut 410 and rotate it relative tothe adapter assembly 104 when installation. The tab portion 412 can alsooperate to provide a visual indication of a position of the coupling nut410 relative to the connector housing 406, and/or of a position of thefiber optic connector 102 relative to the adapter assembly 104.

The cut-out portion 414 of the coupling nut 410 is configured tocorrespond to the protrusion 418 of the connector housing 406. As such,in the depicted example, two cut-out portions 414 are provided andequally spaced apart (i.e., 180 degree apart) on the coupling nut 410.The cut-out portion 414 is dimensioned such that the cut-out portion 414can receive the entire circumferential length of the protrusion 418 whenproperly rotated. For example, when the coupling nut 410 rotates andslides over the protrusion 418, the coupling nut 410 is in frictionalcontact with the protrusion 418 of the connector housing 406 (i.e., andisengaging position). When the coupling nut 410 further rotates untilthe cut-out portion 414 of the coupling nut 410 mates with theprotrusion 418, the protrusion 418 is received into the cut-out portion414 and the coupling nut 410 is relieved of the friction contact withthe protrusion 418 (i.e., an engaging position). The protrusion 418received into the cut-out portion 414 can operate as a bump thatrequires a little more force to further rotate the coupling nut 410 toslide over the protrusion 418. As such, as the coupling nut 410 rotatesaround the connector housing 406, the cut-out portion 414 of thecoupling nut 410 alternately engages either the protrusion 418 or theother flat portion of the connector housing 406. In the depictedembodiments, the cut-out portion 414 engages (or receives) theprotrusion 418 as the coupling nut 410 rotates 180 degree relative tothe connector housing 406.

In some embodiments, the cut-out portion 414 and the protrusion 418 canbe used to align the coupling nut 410 to the connector housing 406before the fiber optic connector 402 is coupled to the adapter assembly104. Further, the cut-out portion 414 and the protrusion 418 can be usedto indicate that the coupling nut 410 is in a proper arrangementrelative to the connector housing 406, and that the fiber opticconnector 402 is fully assemblied to the adapter assembly 104 in anappropriate manner. For example, the cut-out portion 414 and theprotrusion 418 are arranged and configured such that, when the fiberoptic connector 402 is fully coupled to the adapter assembly 104 in theappropriate manner, the cut-out portion 414 is arranged with theprotrusion 418 so that the protrusion 418 is received into the cut-outportion 414, as depicted in FIG. 12.

In some embodiments, the connector housing 406 includes a visualindicator 420 configured to further present the arrangement of thecoupling nut 410 relative to the connector housing 406.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the fiber optic connection system 100 canfurther include a removable dust cap 430. The dust cap 430 is configuredto enclose at least part of the fiber optic connector 102 and 402 toprotect the ferrule assembly 108 from dust particles or othercontamination. The dust cap 430 can include a coupling mechanism forremovably engaging the fiber optic connector 102 and 402. In someembodiments, the coupling mechanism of the dust cap 430 can include aninternal thread 434 configured to engage the coupling thread 124 (e.g.,the first and second threaded portions 130 and 132) of the coupling nut110 and 410. In some embodiments, the internal thread 434 can beconfigured to be similar to the coupling nut thread 156 (e.g., the firstand second threaded nut portions 180 and 182) of the adapter assembly104 and 304, thereby allowing a quick coupling of the dust cap 430 tothe fiber optic connector 102 and 402 with less than a full turn of thecoupling nut 110 and 410.

In some embodiments, the dust cap 430 and the fiber optic connector 102and 402 are configured not to rotate relative to each other when theyare coupled. For example, the dust cap 430 includes a engaging featurethat is formed on the inner circumferential surface adjacent the innerbottom face 436 and configured to prevent a rotation of the fiber opticconnector 102 and 402 within the dust cap 430 when engaged. In someembodiments, the engaging feature is shaped to correspond to a flat tipportion 117 and a rounded tip portion 118 of the connector housing 106and 406 at or adjacent the forward end 114, thereby preventing therotation of the connector housing 106 and 406 relative to the dust cap430. In this configuration, the coupling nut 110 and 410 is configuredto remain rotatable around the connector housing 106 and 406 so that thecoupling nut 110 and 410 is engaged with the coupling mechanism of thedust cap 430 as described above.

In some embodiments, the cut-out portion 414 and the protrusion 418 canbe configured such that, when the dust cap 430 is fully coupled to thefiber optic connector 102 and 402, the cut-out portion 414 mates withthe protrusion 418 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The cut-out portion 414and the protrusion 418 can be further configured such that, when thedust cap 430 is removed from the fiber optic connector 102 and 402 byrotating the coupling nut 110 and 410 relative to the connector housing106 and 406, the coupling nut 110 and 410 is in the position relative tothe connector housing 106 and 406 that aligns the fiber optic connector102 and 402 to the adapter assembly 104 and 304 in the unlock position.This can allow easy and fast installation of the fiber optic connector102 and 402 to the adapter assembly 104 and 304.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate additional features of the adapter assembly 104of FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly 104 isconfigured to be mounted to, and supported by, an installation wall 94(e.g., a bulkhead). In some embodiments, the installation wall 94 ispart of a fiber optic enclosure (not shown). The adapter assembly 104 ismounted to the installation wall 94 such that the first end 142 (i.e.,an outer port) and the second end 144 (i.e., an inner port) are arrangedwith the installation wall 94 interposed therebetween. In someembodiments, the first end 142 is disposed outside the fiber opticenclosure, and the second end 144 is disposed within the fiber opticenclosure. The adapter assembly 104 can further include an adapterhousing 502 and an adapter retention member 504.

The adapter housing 502 includes the second coupling mechanism 150 asdescribed above. The adapter housing 502 further includes a neck portion506 and a sealing flange portion 508. The neck portion 506 is configuredto removably engage the adapter retention member 504 thereon. In someembodiments, the neck portion 506 includes a set of flexible tabs 507configured to snap into a set of corresponding slots 516 of the adapterretention member 504. The sealing flange portion 508 is configured tohold a sealing member 510, such as an O-ring, thereby providing a radialsealing of the adapter assembly 104 against the installation wall 94.

The adapter retention member 504 includes a cover portion 514 configuredto engage the neck portion 506 of the adapter housing 502 to secure theadapter housing 502 onto the installation wall 94. As illustrated, thecover portion 514 includes snap-in slots 516 corresponding to the tabs507 so that the adapter retention member 504 is snap-fit onto theadapter housing 502.

The adapter retention member 504 further includes an internal space 518configured to receive a ferrule alignment mechanism 520. The ferrulealignment mechanism 520 defines a lengthwise, longitudinally extendingpassageway that is open through opposed ends. The ferrule alignmentmechanism 520 is configured to receive and align the ferrules of thefirst and second fiber optic connectors 102 and 105 from the oppositeends. The ferrule alignment mechanism 520 can abut the distal end facesof the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic cables 90 and92.

In some embodiments, the adapter retention member 504 includes aplurality of spring members 522 to resiliently support the ferrulealignment mechanism 520 within the internal space 518 of the adapterretention member 504. For example, the spring members 522 are disposedwithin the adapter retention member 504 and bias the ferrule alignmentmechanism 520 in the direction toward the adapter housing 502 whilebeing compressible in the opposite direction. Thus, the ferrulealignment mechanism 520 can float to some extent within the adapterretention member 504 due to the spring member 522. In particular, theferrule alignment mechanism 520 can move up and down and/or from side toside by the spring member 522 within the adapter retention member 504 sothat the ferrule assembly 108 of the fiber optic connector 102 isproperly aligned within the adapter assembly 104 when inserted.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 16, the ferrulealignment mechanism 520 includes a ferrule alignment housing 530. Theferrule alignment housing 530 has a central cylindrical portion 532configured to house a ferrule alignment sleeve 534 therein. The ferrulealignment sleeve 534 is configured to receive the ferrules of two fiberoptic connectors that are desired to be optically coupled, such thatoptical fibers supported by the ferrules are coaxially aligned withinthe ferrule alignment sleeve 534. The ferrule alignment sleeve 534 canbe a split sleeve. In some embodiments, the ferrule alignment sleeve 534is made of a resilient material that allows the ferrule alignment sleeve534 (e.g., the split sleeve) to elastically flex open when a ferrule isreceived therein.

In some embodiments, the ferrule alignment housing 530 of the ferrulealignment mechanism 520 include one or more flanges 536 that are engagedby the spring members 522. The flanges 536 are configured to oppose ends538 of the spring members 522 and capture the spring members 522 withinthe main adapter housing 502. The spring members 522 allow the ferrulealignment housing 530 to move axially within the main adapter housing502 along a central axis that extends through the ferrule alignmentsleeve 534. The spring members 522 also allow the ferrule alignmenthousing 530 to float and angularly adjust within the adapter housing 502to facilitate receiving a ferrule within the ferrule alignment sleeve534 as a fiber optic connector is inserted in ports defined in theadapter housing 502 and the adapter retention member 504.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B, the adapter housing 502 can beconfigured to be positioned on a first side (i.e., exterior side) 95 ofthe installation wall 94 (e.g., on the outside of the bulkhead definedby a telecommunications closure or an enclosure), and the adapterretention member 504 can be configured to be positioned on an oppositesecond side (i.e., interior side) 96 of the installation wall 94 (e.g.,on the inside of the bulkhead within the telecommunications closure orthe enclosure). The adapter housing 502 can define an exterior,ruggedized port for receiving the connector 102, and the adapterretention member 504 can define an interior, non-ruggedized port forreceiving the connector 105.

The adapter housing 502 and the adapter retension member 504 cancooperate to provide securement of the adapter assembly 104 to theinstallation wall 94. For example, the adapter housing 502 and theadapter retention member 504 can interlock such that a portion of theinstallation wall 94 is captured between the adapter housing 502 and theadapter retention member 504. In the depicted embodiment, the adapterhousing 502 and the adapter retention member 504 are snap-fittedtogether when axially pressed toward each other. As described, the setof flexible tabs 507 of the adapter housing 502 can be snapped into theset of corresponding slots 516 of the adapter retention member 504.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B, the neck portion 506 of theadapter housing 502 is configured to be inserted into an installationport 98 of the installation wall 94 from the exterior side 95 such thatthe flange portion 508 engages with a wall shoulder 97. The sealingmember 510 engaged by the sealing flange portion 508 can provide sealingbetween the adapter housing 502 and the inner surface of theinstallation port 98 of the installation wall 94. The sealing member 510is radially, circumferentially abutted with the inner surface of theinstallation port 98 of the installation wall 94 to provide sealingtherebetween. Then, the adapter retention member 504 is coupled to theadapter housing 502 from the interior side 96. When the adapter housing502 and the adapter retention member 504 are coupled with theinstallation wall 94 positioned therebetween, an axial end face of thecover portion 514 of the adapter retention member 504 can be axiallyabutted to the interior side 96 of the installation wall 94, and anaxial end face of the sealing flange portion 508 of the adapter housing502 can be axially abutted to the wall shoulder 97 of the installationwall 94 while the sealing member 510 of the sealing flange portion 508provides radial sealing between the adapter housing 502 and theinstallation port 98 of the installation wall 94.

In other embodiments, the adapter assembly 104 may be mounted to theinstallation wall 94 in different orders. For example, the adapterretention member 504 can be first inserted to the installation port 98of the installation wall 94 within the enclosure, and then the adapterhousing 502 can be inserted from the outside of the enclosure andcoupled with the adapter retention member 504.

The radial sealing mechanism and the snap-fit coupling of the adapterassembly 106 as described above can provide easy and fast installationof the adapter housing 139, compared to existing adapter assemblies withaxial face sealing members that requires additional steps to axiallyengage an independent sealing member over the adapter housing duringinstallation. Further, in contrast to conventional adapter assembliesthat employ a threaded engagement mechanism with a nut for engaging theadapter assembly to a bulkhead, the adapter assembly 106 with the radialsealing mechanism and the snap-fit coupling as described herein does notrequire such additional elements as a coupling nut. The adapter assemblyin accordance with the present teachings can be simply and convenientlymounted to the bulkhead without a tool (such as a wrench) or withoutusing a hand (such as an installer's thumb and forefinger) for screwinga coupling nut onto the adapter assembly. Therefore, the adapterassembly in accordance with the present teachings does not require anextra space for engaging the tool or the installer's fingers with theadapter assembly close to the installation wall, and thus allowsarranging a plurality of the adapter assemblies on the installation wallin a higher density than the conventional adapter assemblies.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND CORRESPONDING FEATURES

-   90 Cable-   92 second fiber optic cable-   94 installation wall-   95 first side-   96 second side-   97 wall shoulder-   98 installation port-   100 fiber optic connection system-   102 fiber optic connector-   104 adapter assembly-   105 second fiber optic connector-   106 connector housing-   108 ferrule assembly-   110 coupling nut-   112 strain relief boot-   114 forward end-   116 rearward end-   117 flat tip portion-   118 rounded tip portion-   120 first coupling mechanism-   122 key-   124 coupling thread-   126 outer surface-   130 first threaded portion-   132 second threaded portion-   136 first unthreaded portion-   138 second unthreaded portion-   142 first end (outer port)-   144 second end (inner port)-   146 internal cavity-   150 second coupling mechanism-   152 key slot-   154 rotation guide-   156 coupling nut thread-   158 anti-rotation mechanism-   160 axial slot surface-   164 bayonet clearance slot-   166 dividing wall-   168 stopper-   172 first lateral surface-   174 second lateral surface-   180 first threaded nut portion-   182 second threaded nut portion-   186 first unthreaded nut portion-   188 second unthreaded nut portion-   190 inner surface-   194 ferrule holder-   304 adapter assembly-   354 rotation guide-   364 groove-   368 stopper-   402 fiber optic connector-   406 connector housing-   410 coupling nut-   412 tab portion-   414 at least one cut-out portion-   418 at least one protrusion-   420 visual indicator-   430 dust cap-   434 internal thread-   436 inner bottom face-   502 adapter housing-   504 adapter retention member-   506 neck portion-   507 flexible tabs-   508 sealing flange portion-   510 sealing member-   514 cover portion-   516 snap-in slots-   518 internal space-   520 floating ferrule alignment mechanism-   522 spring member-   530 ferrule alignment housing-   532 central cylindrical portion-   534 ferrule alignment sleeve-   536 flanges-   538 spring member end

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic connector configured to be insertedinto an adapter assembly and rotatable between lock and unlockpositions, the fiber optic connector comprising: a key radiallyprotruding from the fiber optic connector; and a partial threadedportion provided on a partial circumference of the fiber opticconnector, wherein the key is configured to be received into a key slotof the adapter assembly in the unlock position, and circumferentiallyguided by a rotation guide as the fiber optic connector rotates relativeto the adapter assembly between the lock and unlock positions, whereinthe partial threaded portion is configured to mate with a partialthreaded nut portion of the adapter assembly in the lock position, andconfigured not to mate with the partial threaded nut portion in theunlock position, and wherein the lock and unlock positions areswitchable as the fiber optic connector rotates relative to the adapterassembly with an angle less than a full rotation.
 2. The fiber opticconnector according to claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connectorfurther includes a second partial threaded portion circumferentiallyprovided on the fiber optic connector and circumferentially spaced apartfrom the partial threaded portion the second partial threaded portionconfigured to mate with a second partial threaded nut portion of theadapter assembly in the lock position, and configured not to mate withthe second partial threaded nut portion in the unlock position.
 3. Thefiber optic connector according to claim 1, further comprising: aconnector housing at least partially supporting a ferrule assemblytherein; and a coupling nut rotatably mounted onto the connectorhousing, wherein the key radially protrudes from an outer surface of thecoupling nut, and wherein the partial threaded portion is provided on apartial circumference of the outer surface of the coupling nut.
 4. Thefiber optic connector according to claim 2, wherein the second partialthreaded portion is circumferentially provided on the outer surface ofthe coupling nut.
 5. The fiber optic connector according to claim 3,wherein the coupling nut includes a tab portion extending from the outersurface of the coupling nut.
 6. The fiber optic connector according toclaim 3, wherein the connector housing includes at least one protrusion,wherein the coupling nut includes at least one cut-out portionconfigured to receive the protrusion of the connector housing therein,and wherein the at least one protrusion is alternately in either anengaging position or a disengaging position as the coupling nut rotatesaround the connector housing, the at least one protrusion mating withthe cut-out portion in the engaging position and dislocated from thecut-out portion in the disengaging position.
 7. An adapter assemblycomprising: an internal cavity configured to receive a fiber opticconnector and rotatably support the fiber optic connector between lockand unlock positions; a key slot configured to receive a key of thefiber optic connector in the unlock position; a rotation guideconfigured to receive and circumferentially guide the key of the fiberoptic connector as the fiber optic connector rotates relative to theadapter assembly between the lock and unlock positions; and a partialthreaded nut portion configured to mate with a partial threaded portionof the fiber optic connector in the lock position, and configured not tomate with the threaded portion of the fiber optic connector in theunlock position, wherein the lock and unlock positions are switchable asthe fiber optic connector rotates relative to the adapter assembly withan angle less than a full rotation.
 8. The adapter assembly according toclaim 7, further comprising a second partial threaded nut portioncircumferentially spaced apart from the partial threaded nut portion,the second partial threaded nut portion is configured to mate with asecond partial threaded portion of the fiber optic connector in the lockposition, and configured not to mate with the second partial threadedportion in the unlock position.
 9. The adapter assembly according toclaim 7, wherein the rotation guide includes a groove configured toreceive the key of the fiber optic connector as the fiber opticconnector rotates from the unlock position, the groove providedcircumferentially on an inner surface of the adapter assembly andincluding a stopper configured to limit a rotation of the key of thefiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector rotates relative tothe adapter assembly at a predetermined stop angle.
 10. The adapterassembly according to claim 9, wherein the fiber optic connector is inthe lock position when the fiber optic connector rotates relative to theadapter assembly at an angle not greater than the predetermined stopangle.
 11. The adapter assembly according to claim 7, wherein therotation guide includes a bayonet clearance slot configured to receivethe key of the fiber optic connector as the fiber optic connectorrotates from the unlock position, the bayonet clearance slot providedcircumferentially around the adapter assembly and including a stopperconfigured to limit a rotation of the key of the fiber optic connectorwhen the fiber optic connector rotates relative to the adapter assemblyat a predetermined stop angle.
 12. The adapter assembly according toclaim 11, wherein the fiber optic connector is in the lock position whenthe fiber optic connector rotates relative to the adapter assembly at anangle not greater than the predetermined stop angle.
 13. A fiber opticassembly comprising: a fiber optic connector comprising a key and athreaded portion, the key radially protruding from the fiber opticconnector, and the threaded portion provided on a partial circumferenceof the fiber optic connector, and an adapter assembly comprising: aninternal cavity configured to rotatably receive the fiber opticconnector between a lock position and an unlock position; a key slotconfigured to receive the key of the fiber optic connector in the unlockposition; a rotation guide configured to receive and circumferentiallyguide the key of the fiber optic connector as the fiber optic connectorrotates relative to the adapter assembly between the lock and unlockpositions; and a threaded nut portion configured to mate with thethreaded portion of the fiber optic connector in the lock position, andconfigured not to mate with the threaded portion of the fiber opticconnector in the unlock position, wherein the lock and unlock positionsare switchable as the fiber optic connector rotates relative to theadapter assembly with an angle less than a full rotation.
 14. Theassembly according to claim 13, wherein the fiber optic connectorincludes a second threaded portion circumferentially provided on thefiber optic connector and circumferentially spaced apart from thethreaded portion, wherein the adapter assembly includes a secondthreaded nut portion circumferentially spaced apart from the threadednut portion, and wherein the second threaded portion mates with thesecond threaded nut portion in the lock position, and does not mate withthe second threaded nut portion in the unlock position.
 15. The assemblyaccording to claim 13, wherein the rotation guide includes a grooveconfigured to receive the key of the fiber optic connector as the fiberoptic connector rotates from the unlock position, the groove providedcircumferentially on an inner surface of the adapter assembly andincluding a stopper configured to limit a rotation of the key of thefiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector rotates relative tothe adapter assembly at a predetermined stop angle.
 16. The assemblyaccording to claim 15, wherein the fiber optic connector is in the lockposition when the fiber optic connector rotates relative to the adapterassembly at an angle not greater than the predetermined stop angle. 17.The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the rotation guide includesa bayonet clearance slot configured to receive the key of the fiberoptic connector as the fiber optic connector rotates from the unlockposition, the bayonet clearance slot provided circumferentially aroundthe adapter assembly and including a stopper configured to limit arotation of the key of the fiber optic connector when the fiber opticconnector rotates relative to the adapter assembly at a predeterminedstop angle.
 18. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein the fiberoptic connector is in the lock position when the fiber optic connectorrotates relative to the adapter assembly at an angle not greater thanthe predetermined stop angle.
 19. A method of coupling a fiber opticconnector to an adapter assembly, the method comprising: inserting thefiber optic connector into an internal cavity of the adapter assembly inan unlock position with a key of the fiber optic connector aligned to akey slot of the adapter assembly; rotating the fiber optic connectorrelative to the adapter assembly until the fiber optic connector isinterference-fitted to the adapter assembly in a lock position, whereina partial threaded portion of the fiber optic connector does not engagea partial threaded nut portion of the adapter assembly in the unlockposition, and engages the partial threaded nut portion of the adapterassembly in the lock position, and wherein the lock and unlock positionsare switchable by rotating the fiber optic connector relative to theadapter assembly with an angle less than a full rotation.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the key of the fiber optic connector isguided along a rotation guide of the adapter assembly as the fiber opticconnector is rotated relative to the adapter assembly from the unlockposition to the lock position.
 21. A fiber optic connector comprising:at least one partial threaded portion provided on a partialcircumference of the fiber optic connector, wherein the fiber opticconnector is configured to be axially inserted into an adapter assemblyin an unlock position with the at least partial threaded portion alignedwith at least one partial unthreaded nut portion of the adapterassembly, and wherein the fiber optic connector is configured to movefrom the unlock position to a lock position by rotating relative to theadapter assembly with an angle less than a full rotation, the at leastone partial threaded portion engaging at least one partial threaded nutportion of the adapter assembly in the lock position.
 22. The fiberoptic connector according to claim 21, further comprising: a keyingfeature configured to limit an axial movement of the fiber opticconnector as the fiber optic connector is inserted into the adapterassembly and configured to align the at least one partial threadedportion to the at least one partial threaded nut portion of the adapterassembly before the fiber optic connector rotates from the unlockposition to the lock position.
 23. An adapter assembly comprising: aninternal cavity configured to receive a fiber optic connector androtatably support the fiber optic connector between lock and unlockpositions; and at least one partial threaded nut portion provided on aninner circumference of the internal cavity, wherein the adapter assemblyis configured to axially receive the fiber optic connector in an unlockposition with the at least one partial threaded nut portion aligned withat least one partial unthreaded portion of the fiber optic connector,and wherein the adapter assembly is configured to permit the fiber opticconnector to rotate from the unlock position to the lock position withan angle less than a full rotation, the at least one partial threadednut portion engaging at least one partial threaded portion of the fiberoptic connector in the lock position.
 24. The adapter assembly accordingto claim 23, further comprising: a keying feature configured to limit anaxial movement of the fiber optic connector as the fiber optic connectoris inserted into the adapter assembly and configured to align the atleast one partial threaded portion to the at least one partial threadednut portion of the adapter assembly before the fiber optic connectorrotates from the unlock position to the lock position.